John Sparrow played for Exeter City between 1980 and 1983. He joined the club from Chelsea and later played for Sutton United. He was a member of the team that played against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup in 1981.

An England schools and youth international, John was an apprentice at Chelsea before signing a full contract with the Stamford Bridge club in August 1974. Having already made his debut as a 16-year-old earlier that year, he showed considerable early promise at Stamford Bridge before fading from the scene. Totalling 69 league appearances, and with a loan spell with Millwall under his belt, he arrived at St James’ Park in a £10,000 transfer in January 1981 aged twenty-three.

Making his league debut at Portsmouth on 10 January 1981 but conveniently not cup-tied, John sat out the 4th round games against Leicester City before effectively replacing Dave Pullar for the games against Newcastle and Tottenham.

Appearing also in 15 league matches in 1980/81, and enjoying a further 38 league outings in 1981/82, John lost his place to Keith Viney at the start of the following season before moving into non-league football with Sutton United.